He’s not sure when, he’s not sure how, but he’s sure of one thing.
Arsene Wenger says former Gunner great Thierry Henry will “certainly” return to the club which vaulted him to superstar status in the future.
During his prematch press conference prior to tomorrow’s game against Southampton, Wenger was asked about Henry’s confirmation that he is leaving New York Red Bulls, and has hinted recently through various media that he would like to return to Arsenal in a coaching role.
“He is an Arsenal man. The best moment certainly of his life and of his career has been experienced here,” Wenger said. “Certainly one day he will come back here. In what role I don’t know, that is what he has to think about: what direction he wants to give to his next life.”
But before Henry moves into the coaching box or potentially even up into the hierarchy of a club, Wenger also has a warning for him about what the job entails. It’s a grueling career that will suck the life from those dedicated enough to succeed.
“Thierry has all the qualities [of being a manager] because he is intelligent, committed, he loves the game,” Wenger said. “He just has to think, ‘Do I want to sacrifice all the rest of my life to be involved in that job?'”
There’s been plenty of talk about Henry returning to Arsenal to coach. And while Wenger clearly believes it’s possible down the road, whether it’s possible now is another story. Wenger did say he doesn’t believe there is currently an opening at the Emirates, and he isn’t just going to create a position out of thin air for him.
“There must be a post available,” Wenger said a few days ago. “For the moment, that’s not the case. But it’s not impossible.”
Henry admitted he would dream of bringing a Champions League trophy to Arsenal, since it’s one thing he was unable to do as a player. But these things take time, and the 37-year-old has a long road in front of him if he wishes to be a manager at the highest level.
